Publicans banding together to keep coast nights out safe

Members of the Mablethorpe and Sutton on Sea Pubwatch scheme at their latest meeting.

Published:09:32Monday 25 June 2012

PUBLICANS in Mablethorpe and Sutton on Sea have embraced technology in the fight against anti-social behaviour in local pubs.

Mablethorpe and Sutton on Sea Pubwatch, a scheme run by local publicans, are using a state-of-the-art system to share information about troublemakers in order to keep you safe.

The new system is internet-based with premises having a unique login. Within the secure system images of offenders can be viewed with details of their bans. Members are alerted almost instantly of a reported incident in either of the resorts.

Venues within Pubwatch display posters and share information via the internet to communicate and deter violence.

Such close working has identified those involved in violent, disruptive, criminal or anti-social behaviour and currently eight are ‘pubwatched’, or banned from Pubwatch venues.

Keeping would-be troublemakers out means the law abiding revellers can enjoy nights out without the fear of trouble.

Tony O’Brien, of Jester’s Bar in Mablethorpe and Pubwatch co-ordinator, said: “Information can be shared at the click of a mouse making it easier and almost instantaneous to clamp down on trouble before it starts.

“Even holidaymakers visiting who are intent on causing trouble in our venues need to watch out, as the beauty of the scheme is that information can be shared across Pubwatch schemes the length and breadth of the country, reducing the threat or fear to the majority who simply want to enjoy their night out.”

The latest meeting saw a decision made to develop a length of ban period starting at three months and moving up to two years for those causing trouble in the resorts’ premises.

Anyone banned now faces a minimum ban and at the end of the period Pubwatch will review the person and vote as to whether their ban should be lifted or extended.

If a banned person tries to enter premises during their ban period they could face an extension and anyone sent to jail for a Pubwatch offence must wait until their release before starting their Pubwatch sentence.